Like other graduates across the 91原创 School District grad celebrations look different this year as a result of pandemic related health restrictions, but thanks to the efforts of R.E. Mountain Secondary parents 350 graduates will be receiving a sweet surprise to mark the occasion.
A select group of R.E. Mountain parents came together in January to form the Dry Grad Committee with the hope of organizing a special recognition for Grade 12 students at the school.
During the past five months the committee has raised more than $30,000.
鈥淲e worked incredibly hard and hoped until a few weeks ago we might be able to create a celebration. Unfortunately, public health restrictions have made that impossible,鈥� said Melissa Ferriss, president of the committee.
Parents said it was following provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry鈥檚 May 25 announcement, where the province introduced the BC Restart Plan, they learned a celebration would not be possible and the decision to create a gift for each graduate was finalized.
鈥淣onetheless, we remained fully committed to helping our grads celebrate somehow,鈥� Feriss added.
Parents found the response to their fundraising campaign from the community overwhelming positive.
Richard McCamley, a R.E. Mountain parent and vice-president of New West Gypsum Recycling was quick to support the parents鈥� efforts with a $5,000 donation.
鈥淭hese students have experienced many losses this year. There haven鈥檛 been events or celebrations that would have typically taken place,鈥� McCamley said.
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鈥淭hat, in addition to all the other disruptions to their learning, has made things exceptionally difficult. We wanted to support them in any way we could.鈥�
Save-On-Foods also donated $5,000; Clear Convenience Corporation donated $2,000; EPR Maple Ridge 91原创, Chartered Professional Accountants donated $1,000.
Other gift sponsors include Tim Horton鈥檚, McDonald鈥檚, Panago, Oxygen Yoga 91原创, Popeye鈥檚 Supplements, A&W, and Fraser Valley Continuing Education.
Additional supporters are Real Canadian Superstore, Shergill Notary Public, Total Fitness Walnut Grove, Willoughby Liquor Store, Costco 91原创, Sassy Nails, Safeway Willowbrook, Hakam鈥檚 Your Independent Grocer, Daisy Pink Boutique, 91原创 Advance Times and YourOh! Deli.
鈥淣ot only did our sponsors help make this happen, but so did the entire community of 91原创,鈥� said Ferriss. 鈥淓very person who purchased chocolates, gift cards, or made some other donation has been instrumental to the success of our efforts. On behalf of all the parents and graduates, we extend our deepest appreciation.鈥�
The parents didn鈥檛 want to yet disclose the contents of the gift bags for risk of spoiling the surprise for the 350 graduates who will recieve their gift during Friday鈥檚 commencement ceremony.
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